The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected the ruling of the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, which set aside its earlier judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party.
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The court, presided over by Justice Isah Dashen, had on Friday set aside its December 10, 2025 judgment after considering an application filed by the Peace Movement Party (PMP), which claimed that its rights were affected by the earlier decision.
The PMP had argued that the logo relied upon by the NDC in securing registration as a political party was similar to a symbol it had previously submitted to INEC. The court held that the PMP was a necessary party that ought to have been joined before the earlier judgment was delivered.
Reacting in a statement signed by its National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas Zuwoghe, the NDC faulted the ruling and insisted that it had not been deregistered.
The party said it approached the Federal High Court in December 2025 after INEC allegedly refused to register it as a political party, adding that the court upheld its constitutional right to freedom of association and compelled INEC to register it.
According to the NDC, INEC complied with the judgment, after which the party commenced political activities, registered members, held congresses from ward to national levels, conducted conventions and concluded primaries for elective offices in line with INEC’s timetable.
The party also stated that it had participated in INEC activities without hindrance and fielded candidates in the just-concluded bye-elections in Nasarawa and Enugu states.
It added that candidates for House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, governorship, presidential and vice-presidential positions had been duly nominated and were being prepared for formal submission to INEC in accordance with the electoral timetable.
The NDC described the Peace Movement Party as an unregistered association unknown to it, arguing that the PMP is not a registered political party and is not currently seeking registration under the ongoing political party registration process.
The party further contended that the PMP’s complaint was brought by way of a motion, rather than a substantive suit or appeal, despite its claim that it had sought registration as a political party in 2015 using the “victory sign” as its symbol.
NDC argued that the Federal High Court had become functus officio after delivering final judgment in the matter against INEC and could no longer revisit the case in the manner it did.
It also maintained that issues relating to associations allegedly seeking to use similar symbols and colours had already been raised before the court and determined in the earlier judgment, which it said had not been appealed.
The party said it was surprised that the court found that the PMP had locus standi and that the court had jurisdiction to set aside the earlier judgment on the basis of the application.
“There was no order directing our deregistration. However, we are dissatisfied with the decision that has been made, and we have instructed our team of lawyers to immediately proceed to the Court of Appeal to challenge the jurisdiction and propriety of His Lordship’s order,” the statement said.
The NDC assured its candidates, members and supporters that the party remains on course, insisting that all nominations already made remain valid.
It said the party would challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal as soon as possible, expressing confidence that justice would be done.
The party also condemned what it described as efforts to shrink Nigeria’s democratic space and stifle opposition voices ahead of the 2027 general election.
According to the NDC, Nigerians are entitled to a full range of political opinions, ideas, alternatives, platforms and candidates, especially as the electoral process for 2027 is already underway.
It argued that if the Peace Movement Party was dissatisfied with the original judgment, its proper option was to appeal the decision, but that the time allowed for such an appeal had since elapsed.
“To now try to upturn that verdict through the back door, via a motion, is not only unheard-of, but also illegal and an outright abuse of court process,” the party stated.
The NDC thanked Nigerians, its candidates, members and supporters for their confidence, maintaining that its platform remains strong, legal and prepared to pursue the matter through the appellate process.
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